Ashley

Our college search journey began during the first half of my daughter Ashley's junior year with a lunch meeting with Alison. From that very first conversation, Alison created an environment that felt both comfortable and deeply insightful. As we discussed Ashley's goals and dreams, Alison helped us see the collegiate skiing experience in a new light, emphasizing how rewarding it is to compete as part of a true team while still maintaining the individuality of the sport.

Together, we developed a thoughtful list of schools that aligned with Ashley's academic and athletic aspirations. With Alison's guidance, Ashley began reaching out to coaches and building meaningful relationships. Alison's deep connections and nuanced understanding of the recruiting landscape made the entire process feel strategic rather than overwhelming.

Then the unthinkable happened in February of her junior year. We received the dreaded call no ski parent ever wants to get. Ashley had crashed during training, and we needed to meet her at the hospital. She sustained six serious knee injuries, including an ACL tear. In that moment, we felt certain her collegiate ski dreams were over. There were many tears and a great deal of uncertainty.

Throughout it all, Alison remained calm, steady, and unwavering. She encouraged us to move forward with confidence. Armed with Alison's customized itinerary, we set off on college visits and coach meetings that spring, with Ashley on crutches. Somehow, Alison made the entire experience feel not only manageable, but completely natural. I will never know exactly what Alison communicated to the coaches, but each one welcomed Ashley with warmth, understanding, and genuine enthusiasm.

By the end of our trip, Ashley had a clear sense that Williams was her top choice, both academically and athletically. Alison continued to communicate closely with the coaching staff and provided invaluable insight into where Ashley stood throughout the process.

Alison expertly guided us through the early read with admissions, ultimately helping Ashley secure a verbal commitment by September of her senior year. She supported Ashley every step of the way through the Common Application and essay development, ensuring everything was completed and submitted with confidence by October. We then waited with excited anticipation for the official acceptance, which arrived in mid-December.

From start to finish, the entire experience felt organized, smooth, and remarkably low stress. Alison truly took the anxiety out of the process and transformed what could have been overwhelming into something exciting, empowering, and even joyful.

We recommend Alison Chadbourne without hesitation. It was one of the most valuable academic investments we made for our daughter.